Bell 407 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 148 events recorded from 1996 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 2003 | Toluca, MX | XC-NVB | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Mar 27, 2003 | Broadus, TX | N175PA | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The partial loss of engine power due to erratic fuel flow metering to the engine resulting from the single point failure of the PLA potentiometer in t…The partial loss of engine power due to erratic fuel flow metering to the engine resulting from the single point failure of the PLA potentiometer in the hydro-mechanical fuel control unit. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain to execute a forced landing. |
| Mar 24, 2003 | Houma, LA | N501PH | Incident | substantial |
The loss of tail rotor drive and anti-torque control resulting from the fracture and separation of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the overtemp…The loss of tail rotor drive and anti-torque control resulting from the fracture and separation of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the overtemperature and subsequent failure of the #5 hangar bearing. |
| Feb 22, 2003 | High Island 443, USA | N740PH | Fatal | minor |
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the hot refueling operation which resulted in the main rotor blades strik…The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the hot refueling operation which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the passenger. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions. |
| Feb 16, 2003 | MI 700, USA | N407HH | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing f…The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to brief the passengers on emergency safety equipment (life raft), the pilot's failure to deploy the skid-mounted emergency float system during the autorotation, the high wind conditions, and rough sea state. |
| Nov 12, 2001 | Whitley City, KY | N11HX | Serious (1) | substantial |
The pilots decision to operate the helicopter at an airspeed in excess of the maximum demonstrated stable airspeed for the water bucket. A factor in …The pilots decision to operate the helicopter at an airspeed in excess of the maximum demonstrated stable airspeed for the water bucket. A factor in the accident was the pilot did not follow the published emergency procedure. |
| Nov 10, 2001 | Erath, LA | N517R | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's inadvertant application of full right pedal which resulted in the baggage compartment door to open in-flight and a tie down rope to become…The pilot's inadvertant application of full right pedal which resulted in the baggage compartment door to open in-flight and a tie down rope to become entangled in the tail rotor drive system, and the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft resulting in the loss of anti-torque control. |
| Oct 11, 2001 | COPIAPO, CI | CC-PBZ | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| May 18, 2001 | PUERTO PRINCESA, RP | RP-C2345 | Fatal (6) | — | Investigation pending |
| May 04, 2001 | Vermillion 44, USA | N917AL | Incident | substantial | Failure of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft coupling due to fatigue. |
| Mar 02, 2001 | Jackson, WY | N9HE | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain adequate lateral and vertical clearance during landing. Factors were the clouds and snow-covered high terrain. |
| Dec 29, 2000 | Gilchrist, TX | N407MM | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The loss of control for reasons undetermined. |
| Jul 12, 2000 | GOLDEN, CA | N409KA | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Jun 05, 2000 | LAKE PLACID, FL | N234BH | Minor | substantial |
The pilot's failure to establish/maintain a safe rate of descent during approach to landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's incorrect altimete…The pilot's failure to establish/maintain a safe rate of descent during approach to landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's incorrect altimeter (Kollsman) setting, smoke, and dark night conditions. |
| Apr 16, 2000 | GRAND CANYON, AZ | N175PA | Incident | substantial | The failure and subsequent disintegration of the oil cooler fan forward hanger bearing. |
| Aug 17, 1999 | GEORGETOWN, DE | N97SP | Minor | destroyed | The pilot's improper preflight evaluation of the weather, which resulted in inadvertent flight into IMC. Factors were the fog, and night conditions. |
| Feb 26, 1999 | Belo Horizonte, BR | PT-YVI | Fatal (2) | — | Investigation pending |
| Oct 20, 1998 | Salta, AR | UNK | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Dec 15, 1997 | LITTLETON, CO | N771AL | Fatal (4) | destroyed |
The pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure fr…The pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure from a landing zone. Factors were dark night conditions, bright lights in the landing zone which prevented vision beyond the zone, and the power line existence was not available on charts to either the pilot or ground personnel. |
| Sep 18, 1997 | Grand Isle S108, USA | N467PH | Minor | substantial |
The tail rotor blade strike(s) that severed the aft portion of the tailboom, subsequently rendering the pilot with no tail rotor control while in crui…The tail rotor blade strike(s) that severed the aft portion of the tailboom, subsequently rendering the pilot with no tail rotor control while in cruise flight. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced autorotative landing. |
| Nov 20, 1996 | MORAN, SP | ECGJC | Incident | — | Investigation pending |
| Oct 09, 1996 | ANDROS ISLAND, BF | N1117P | Serious (2) | — | Investigation pending |
| Sep 21, 1996 | KERRVILLE, TX | N1114S | Serious (2) | substantial |
The loss of power due to the pilot's failure to comply with established procedures. Factors were a short in the FADEC wiring harness due to a manufac…The loss of power due to the pilot's failure to comply with established procedures. Factors were a short in the FADEC wiring harness due to a manufacturing defect, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. |